Sundance Catalyst: A Financing Opportunity for Independent Feature Filmmakers

Independent filmmakers looking to secure financing and build relationships with investors can apply for Sundance Catalyst, a programme from the Sundance Institute designed to connect ambitious feature film projects with independent financiers. Through its filmmaker track and signature Catalyst Forum, the initiative supports directors and producers in developing financing strategies, presenting their projects and creating long-term partnerships within the independent film ecosystem.

What is Sundance Catalyst?

Catalyst is a financing and mentorship programme that brings together filmmakers and potential investors around a curated selection of independent fiction and documentary feature projects. Selected teams receive guidance on fundraising, project positioning and investor relationships before presenting their films at the Catalyst Forum, a multi-day event featuring project presentations, meetings and networking opportunities.

Since its creation, Catalyst has helped raise significant financing for independent films, supporting projects that have gone on to reach audiences through festivals, theatrical releases and other distribution channels.

Who can apply?

Catalyst is aimed at feature-length fiction and nonfiction film projects with strong creative visions and experienced teams. Projects must have a director attached, and the lead producer must have previous feature film producing experience, including experience with independent financing.

For fiction projects, Sundance prioritises films with advanced scripts and clear production plans, including elements such as partial financing, cast attachments or other components that demonstrate readiness. Documentary projects can be at different stages of development, production or post-production but must have sample footage available when applying.

Project requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Be feature films with an intended running time of 60 minutes or more.
• Have a director attached who can provide previous directing work.
• Have a lead producer with at least one feature producing credit and independent financing experience.
• Have a total budget generally below $3 million USD (fiction projects between $3 million and $5 million may be considered in exceptional cases).
• Have a minimum financing gap of $300,000 USD at the time of application.

How does the application process work?

The Catalyst Forum application process begins with a pre-application open to filmmakers. Sundance then invites selected applicants to submit a full application. The final selection process evaluates not only the strength of the project but also the experience, collaboration and financing strategy of the creative team.

For the 2027 Catalyst Forum, the timeline includes:

• Pre-application period: 8 June – 19 August 2026
• Regular pre-application deadline: 24 July 2026
• Official application deadline (by invitation): 23 September 2026
• Project selections announced: December 2026
• Filmmaker preparation programme: January – March 2027
• Catalyst Forum: 31 March – 3 April 2027

What support do selected filmmakers receive?

Selected teams take part in an intensive preparation process with Sundance advisors. This includes developing financing plans, refining project presentations, preparing investor materials and strengthening strategies for production and distribution.

At the Catalyst Forum, filmmakers present their projects directly to potential funders through meetings, presentations and networking sessions designed to encourage independent film investment and collaboration.

For filmmakers with a strong feature project seeking independent financing, Sundance Catalyst offers a valuable opportunity to develop fundraising skills, meet potential investors and build the partnerships needed to bring ambitious films to completion.

Find out more and apply here